LINCOLN, Neb. - The University of Dubuque Spartans wrapped up their series against Nebraska Wesleyan Prairiewolves this afternoon with a doubleheader on Saturday. The Spartans bats were in full force as they were able to record double figure hits and runs in both games sweeping the Prairiewolves.
In game one, the Spartans were able to jump on the Prairiewolves early, platting six runs in the second inning, all with two outs. The Spartans were able to take advantage of some miscues by the Prairiewolves, which scored the first three runs for the Spartans. After a bases loaded walk by
Cole DeStefanis,
Jake Cekander drove in two more runs with a double, extending the lead to 6-0. Two innings later, the Spartans were able to tack on two more runs in the fourth and another in the fifth as
Joe Unger lined the ball into left field for an RBI single. To close out the game, the Spartans added insurance runs as
Hunter Hicks produced a successful sacrifice squeeze in the sixth scoring another run in the 12-3 victory.
Aidan Elfering got the start in game one for the Spartans. Elfering picked up his third win of the season as he tossed a complete eight innings surrendering eight hits, three runs, and also struck out three.
Noah Zoglman entered in the ninth to record the last three outs.
Joe Unger led the Spartans at the plate going 3-5, while DeStefanis, Cekander, and Hicks all recorded two hits.
The Spartans were able to blank the Prairiewolves in the second game of the afternoon, winning 11-0 after seven innings.
Jake Cekander picked up his third win on the mound for the Spartans. Cekander pitched a gem through six innings, only giving up four hits, no runs, and striking out three.
Derek Hardin finished the game in the seventh striking out one.
Once again the Spartans took an early lead in the first as Cekander and
Patrick Rafferty produced RBI singles taking a 2-0 lead. After two scoreless innings,
Daniel Maller got the Spartans back on track lacing an RBI triple into center field. Offensively, the Spartans were able to plate eight more runs, two in the fifth and three in the sixth and seventh.
Cole DeStefanis had monster day at the plate, driving in six runs from three 2 RBI singles. In total the Spartans had 13 hits in which eight different players recorded a hit.
The Spartans are now 15-3 overall and 5-2 in conference play.
Up Next
The Spartans will return back to Dan W. Runkle Field on Tuesday afternoon for a doubleheader against cross-town rival Loras College Duhawks. The first game is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.
